Fj Trac/locker Design...poor!

[ShottsUZJ100]

IF (I said IF) Ben Crokett is correct in his story in this issue of 4WD Toyota Owner Mag, then Toyota should make a change ASAP before production.

Ben states that the FJ will only allow EITHER A-TRAC to operate OR the rear locker to operate, but not both. This is a HUGE compromise with an EASY fix.

Ben states that he wished A-TRAC could control the front while the LOCKER could control the back. This can be done and easily. On ANY A-TRAC rig (like my F&R locked 100) one can lock the rear end and still have TRAC work up front. This helps A LOT in tough situations AND allows for full turning capability without risk of breakage like a front locker would add. Locking a rear diff and having TRAC ON causes no issues with the system at all. When the rear's locked the wheels spin at the same RPM so TRAC never kicks in the rear brakes. All OK. While the locked rear is pushing the truck, should the front wheel(s) spin then A-TRAC can pulse them for added traction. There's NO reason to not have both systems active together.

Toyota needs to change this. They have all the parts and systems in place but the electrics/design wrong.

 

[FirstToy]

Why dont you ask for more specifics or test drive one first before getting your panties in a bunch?
Or is this just your way of spreading your expertise of offroading onto a new tech section?

 

[Isotel]

im sure they are doing it for a reason..

Somone will make a workaround like the Pin mod on the FJZ80's

 

[woody]

if Toyota does it right during production, then what will people do for tech mods?? lol

next thing ya know, this section will degenerate into chat and speculation...





er....

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

im sure they are doing it for a reason..

Maybe. Why they'd make this change backwards I don't know though?

Somone will make a workaround like the Pin mod on the FJZ80's

Very true. I would hope a mod is doable.

But one shouldn't have to do a "mod" when Toyota has gotten it right on previous models.

 

[MoJ]

IIRC Car & Driver described it functioning the same way - rear locker on = ATRACwhatever off.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

IIRC Car & Driver described it functioning the same way - rear locker on = ATRACwhatever off.

Thanks for the info. So Ben is correct then. Makes no sense.

 

[G-Cat]

I read somewhere that you could use 1, the other or both... crap, where did I read it?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I read somewhere that you could use 1, the other or both... crap, where did I read it?

This is better. Like all other Toy models.

 

[MoJ]

IIRC Car & Driver described it functioning the same way - rear locker on = ATRACwhatever off.

Just confirmed the C&D article (p. 48 Feb 2006 or link below) and they actually tested it on Toyota's course in Ojai, CA.

>>>
"The front differentials are open-type units, as are the rears unless the buyer opts for the available switch-activated lockable rear diff. In that case, actuation disables a handy system that Toyota calls active traction control, or A-TRAC, that is supplied on all four-wheel-drive models."
<<<

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=10490

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Just confirmed the C&D article (p. 48 Feb 2006 or link below) and they actually tested it on Toyota's course in Ojai, CA.

>>>
"The front differentials are open-type units, as are the rears unless the buyer opts for the available switch-activated lockable rear diff. In that case, actuation disables a handy system that Toyota calls active traction control, or A-TRAC, that is supplied on all four-wheel-drive models."
<<<

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=10490

OK MoJ. Thanks. Gotta be an easy fix for TOy or the Owner.

 

[MoJ]

OK MoJ. Thanks. Gotta be an easy fix for TOy or the Owner.

No doubt about it -- we might as well go ahead and start a pool on who will be the first.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

No doubt about it -- we might as well go ahead and start a pool on who will be the first.

Looks like it won't be me. I am (well, maybe "was" not am) considering an FJ though we're pretty sure we'll snag another 100 and cut it up into a trail rig.

 

[Kelly]

In the Jan/Feb Trails issue, Alan Loshbaugh wrote:

"Both the e-locker and A-TRAC system are switchable and can be used either independently or in conjunction with each other, giving the driver many choices for conquering obstacles."

Let's hope he's right.

 

[MoJ]

Where the hell is my issue anyway?

 

[Kelly]

I have it.

 

[Ocelot]

But one shouldn't have to do a "mod" when Toyota has gotten it right on previous models.

Just like solid axles and stock front/rear lockers?

 

[FJBen]

Just like solid axles and stock front/rear lockers?

ouch....

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Just like solid axles and stock front/rear lockers?

Just the opposite is now true Ocelot.

Slee and other have shown ARB lockers to be stronger than OEM. The 100 has those. (ARB's)

Recent mod's have 100's RTI'ing almost the same # as an equally equipped 80.

Sorry my friend. The main issue for the 100 is now size though there's not much one can do about that...well Podvin did.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Slee and other have shown ARB lockers to be stronger than OEM. The 100 has those. (ARB's)

Hey, don't start rumours That only applies to the rear of the 80 and 100 lockers, not to the front. Have not seen the FJ rear locker, but believe it is the same as the front of an 80.